Should solar panels be deployed in northern Mexico?

The initiative to deploy solar panels in the northern regions of Mexico is a commendable strategy that aligns with environmental sustainability and energy independence goals. High temperatures and abundant sunlight make northern Mexico an ideal location for solar energy production. The initiative can have multiple advantages:

Can solar be used as a wind energy source in Mexico?

Solar deployment can follow wind transmission. Targeted grid upgrades, if any, for wind, will benefit solar as well because solar resources exist in all areas of the country. Solar potential in Mexico is six times larger than wind, and the technology complements wind generation very well.

How much solar power does Mexico need in 2024?

To meet the 35% clean energy target in 2024, Mexico needs at least 128.83 TWh or 42.56 TWh of additional clean energy generation. National solar PV capacity potential is estimated at 24,918 GW.1 This potential capacity could generate 50,196 TWh/yr or 137 times the 365 TWh estimated demand for Mexico in 2024.

How much energy does Mexico have in 2022?

In 2022, the installed capacity of Mexico’s clean energy plants (renewable and non-renewable) was 31,369 MW, which represented an increase of 1.81 percent in comparison to the previous year, when the installed capacity of clean energy accounted for 30,812 MW.

Can Mexico increase energy independence?

As noted in previous work from the Center for U.S. and Mexico, Mexico’s potential for increasing energy independence, reducing emissions, and generating employment is significant.

Could Mexico attract US$17 billion of direct investment?

Mexico could attract US$17 billion of direct investment under the highest accumulated renewable scenario. The impacts of greater renewable energy penetrations vary geographically and depend on the assumptions made when defining the new installed generation capacity for each scenario.